Norwich charity shop receiving large amount of rare vintage items

A local woman who has spent the last 20 years collecting rare vintage items dating from the 1800s to the 1950s is having a clear-out – to the great benefit of a children’s charity shop.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in Unthank Road currently has a Victorian pram, Singer sewing machine, Chinese vases, Noddy memorabilia, die-cast Disney figures, extremely rare first edition Ladybird books and a great deal more on its shop floor.

The vintage goods have been donated by 52-year-old Caroline Clancy, a mother-of-two and former teacher.

She assembled the collection by visiting other charity shops and car boot sales. The items were kept in cupboards, cabinets and suitcases at her home. Running out of space, Caroline decided it was time for a clear-out.

Sally Rix, Shop Manager, said: “Caroline first brought goods to us in late August and followed that with two carloads a day for some time. I know she’s found the process to be cathartic and I understand there are more donations to come! A typewriter has sold for £85 and we’ve had an offer of £100 for a rocking horse. We’d, of course, like to say a big thank you to Caroline for choosing to bring her items here. Come along, browse this fantastic collection and, if you’re having a clear-out yourself, do bring along anything you’d like to donate!”

EACH shops are supported by hundreds of volunteers and generated an impressive profit of over £900,000 in the last financial year.

The charity’s Unthank Road outlet was in the news earlier this year after receiving a donation of millions of years old mammal bones. They were eventually sold at auction for over £1,500.

All money raised goes towards the care and support of children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, across East Anglia. For more information, go to www.each.org.uk

Pictured – Caroline and Sally.